Kevyn Aucoin Makeover...

I love it when we approach a new season! 

New clothing and accessory collections are to be seen in the shop windows guiding us on the new styles and colours to be worn. Also it's the beauty worlds time to showcase there new and exciting ranges of products and colours to follow on with the new seasons collections.

Kevyn Aucoin are just one of many who have launched new palettes of colours for there Fall/Winter Collection. New duo eyeshadows and lipstick shades. There new 'The Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation' is a light weight fluid foundation that has great coverage.

Inspired by the new season and the legendary Kevyn Aucoins gorgeous new products I couldn't wait to try out. With a friend ready at hand to be my canvas I couldn't wait to get started...

Below is the look I created. This seasons trend is following with the eyeliner flick pairing up with either a nude lip or deliciously dark statement lip. I used Kevyns Blood Roses lipstick. Would look equally great with one of Kevyns Nude lipsticks with his Medium lip liner

Product List...

The Primed Skin Developer

The Skin Fluid Foundation SF 03 New

The Skin Enhancer SX05 mixed with

The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting

Used as a concealer 

The Celestial Powder in Candlelight

The Sculpting Powder in Medium

The Celestial Bronzing Veil Tropical Days Warm Bronze

Eyeshadow Duo 215 Tan/Ruddy Earth New

Single Eyeshadow 103 Hint Of Peach

The Eye Pencil in Basic Black

The Precision Liquid liner in Basic Black

The Essential Mascara in Black

The Precision Brow Pencil Brunette

The Creamy Glow Blush Tresbelle

Minimal Lipliner in Minimal

Blood roses Lipstick

Black Shellac Nails for Fall...

I love my shiny black shellac nails for fall. Getting into the spirit of Halloween early!

Bedford Film Festival 2014

Last Friday was the start of Bedfords Film Festivals second year. It was running throughout the weekend.
It kicked of with a day packed full of workshops. My workshop was a talk informing young students embarking on a two year makeup course at Bedford college about 'my experiences as a Makeup Artist working in the various fields of the industry'

I was a tad nervous if I'm honest as I've not done a great deal of public speaking,never mind having to talk for a Whole Big Whopping hour. However I was lucky to have my friend Eddie who coached me and gave me tips on how to structure my talk.

Once I got my introduction out of the way I relaxed and enjoyed talking to the lovely bunch of students about my experiences which I hope I gave them a valuable insite to what life is like as a freelance Mua. I would certainly give it another go as I actually ended running over my time!

There were some amazing workshops on giving students a real feel into the work that takes place in the production of a film.

Here is a pic of me just before I started my presentation.

Here I am again talking about the visual importance and impact makeup has on the catwalk and film

Referencing Dolce and Gabanna's S/S15 Collection.

Dolce and Gabbana S/S 15 Runway Collection at Milan Fashion Week....

I have to say I am absolutely loving The Dolce And Gabbana 'Spanish Inspired Collection' for S/S 15 at Milans Fashion Week,Infact the whole look is just Wow on the runway. The sleek, smooth,stylish yet simple hair style of a middle parting with there tight low buns.

With Dolce and Gabbana's S/S 15 Collection being heavily inspired by the Spanish influence on Sicily. The makeup too has this influence. Makeup maestro Pat McGrath gave the models a Delicious deep dark plum lip pairing with natural almost nude eyes with a classic cat eye flick. With statement brows. Perfecto!

Prada London Fashion Week S/S15

Loving Prada's makeup look on the catwalk at LFW S/S 15....

High winged Eyeliner with white Eyeliner Pencil on lower waterline.

Paired with a natural Nude Pink Lip

Foundation just enough to even out skin tone 

Dusting of Contour Powder.

Keeping Eyebrows defined more subtle,natural.

Light almost effortless look.

Wedding Fashion Show At The Sharnbrook Hotel. Photos from Sunday 14th Sept

I had a very early start last Sunday having to get up at 5.30 to be at The Sharnbrook Hotel for 7.00am to get my makeup kit set up in plenty of time for the arrival of gorgeous models flooding in to get there hair and makeup done for a 12 o'clock Catwalk Show. Then touch ups for a 2 o'clock run. Not that I'm complaining busy yes of course, but I love it! There were three other girls there supporting in the Hair and Makeup team to get the Models all ready on time.

Behind the scenes is not at all glamorous it's hard work and fast pace like working on a conveyor belt system for everything to operate smoothly and efficiently so the models are ready in plenty of time to get into there dresses and final touch ups before they calmly walk down the catwalk with graceful effortless ease....

Zulika from Golden Poppy Events is a passionate ,driven, highly motivated professional business woman and this shines through her work. Zulikas business partner Eddie from Golden Poppy Events who together organise the Fashion Shows have an amazing friendly,supportive approach with the models and go out there way to keep everyone happy and see to every key detail. Keeping it professional and fun which can be a task in itself however they do this effortlessly...

On the wedding Catwalk Show...Showcasing the lovely Lisa from Lisa Bilotti's  couture wedding gowns.

Photographer Dan Burgess 07540812828
Bouquets, Greycourt Florist Kempston 

Events Organiser, Golden Poppy Events 07534 388322

Lisa Bilotti Wedding Couture, 07885912013
Makeup Ali K Mua 

FB Ali K Mua

Twitter @kynoch35

07718387552

Behind the scene selfies taken by the lovely models having fun between catwalk shows....

Wedding Show At The Sharnbrook Hotel Sunday 14th 11-3pm...

Looking forward to helping out Zulika from Golden Poppy Events as a makeup artist for The Sharnbrooks Wedding Event on Sunday 14th Sept. Which kicks off at 11.00 till 3pm. First fashion show at 12.00 then a second run at 2pm show casing Lisa Bilotti's amazing collection of Wedding Gowns. The creative Kelly Jeffries From Greycourt Florist will be showing her gorgeous bouquets on the catwalk too...

LFW SS 15

How exciting... Today seen the beginning of London Fashion Week Kick off at the Somerset House. Designer Bora Aksu. Bringing his collection out at 11.00am.  His influence is Romantic with a darker twist....
Spring/Summer 15 Collection is influenced to the backgrounds of Fairytales. Keeping with his signature romantic theme. Mixing with different textures of fabrics. Colours. White being a permanent feature with pale blue. Nude and pinks. Lots of sheer fabric and lace. Then more bold colours are introduced blue,navy and black pieces. Simply Fabulous.

You can go onto London Fashion Week S/S 15 and see the collection on the catwalk.

Makeup was kept natural with pale nude shades.

Nars New 'The Audacious Lip Collection'

Francois Nars is Celebrating his twenty years of success in the beauty industry with introducing 'The Audacious Lip Collection' in 30 adorable shades.

Super rich in pigment,moisturising and long lasting they have a luxurious touch with a stylish casing.

Discovered these must try lipsticks in Space NK. I've a few favourites already Vera and Fanny (hmmm!) @narscosmetics

I'm wearing Vera.

Bold Colourful Eyeliner.....

It seems just a short time ago that we were restricted to an option of either a pot of Black or Brown eyeliner to choose from. Well it's not the case now. We are spoilt for choice with a fantastic array of Bright Bold colours to choose from. Nars, Mac and Laura Mercier have a great selection of coloured eyeliner pots to indulge in. I'm also loving the recent trend of wearing two colours of eyeliner together. We can have so much fun playing and experimenting with eyeliner alone....

@Narscosmetics Noir Paint Pot

@lauramercier Cobalt Creme Gel Pot

Nude Lips for Fall/Winter 2014/15

Nude Lips are following trend with the more darker statement lip this Fall/Winter season.
With lots of Nude shades to choose from what one will you choose to wear?

Lipstick Queen have brought out a delicious nude in there new Silver Screen range 'You Kid' £35. Nars have also brought out a Limited Edition Nude lipstick in there Satin Lip Pencil  range called 'Biscayne Park' £18 By Terry have there all time favourite rich in pigment,  moisturising and long lasting with 'Terribly Nude 100'. Hourglass nude range lipsticks continue to be a strong staple with six shades to choose from,my favourite being number Six. Kevin Aucoins lip liner in Medium works perfect with most Nude Shades....

#nars #lipstickqueen #kevinaucoin

@byterry @nars @hourglassmakeup

Forty Plus Woman Can Still Have Abit Of Fairy Dust In There Life's.....

When I received my Violet Voss Glitter Pot in Golden Fairy I couldn't wait to try. Even though it is my intention for it to be added to my vast growing makeup kit. I love to experiment on myself just to see how it works on a maturer skin. Well I think just because I'm a woman in my 40s I don't have too stick to matte shades. I don't also want to limit myself with following the latest trends. It's all about adjusting,moderation and of course It's also the all important application. I chose to get a balance with my Golden Fairy glitter pot by avoiding using a shimmer eyeshadow on my brow bone and used a matte shade instead to tone it down and felt it was just enough to pull this look off.....

What do you think?

@shopvioletvoss

   

  

Hourglass Lips....

Doesn't it feel more like Autumn than Summer...Chill in the air and back to wet rainy days! Inspired by our recent change in weather I am wearing warm,darker shades such as @hourglass Longlast lipstick in Empress and then a touch of there moisturising lipstick Nocturnal applied on top. @lauramercier Wine lip liner for definition and although Empress is a fantastic Longlast lipstick being a 40+ I like to insure that around my lips I don't want colour bleeding into fine lines. Keeping my lipstick looking fresh and crisp longer....

You can find Hourglass in Liberty's London and Space NK in stores and online.

SMOKEY EYE WORKSHOP TUTORIAL AT THE EMBANKMENT HOTEL BEDFORD.....

The Smokey Eye Workshop Tutorial Is Back On Saturday 8th Nov 10-12.30 £20 per person

Delighted to be running another Smokey Eye Workshop Tutorial at the Embankment Hotel in Bedford and due to feed back from clients requesting a longer workshop I have added an extra half hour on to duration of workshop!

For all you makeup lovers that want to master the Smokey eye look. Will also be useful for the Christmas Party Season that's just around the corner! Guiding you through easy steps with tips and techniques for you to achieve. You will have the oppurtunity to work with and try out fantastic brands such as Laura Mercier,Mac,Nars,Kevyn Aucoin,By Terry to name but a few....

Why not go onto my website to view Testimonials from lovely ladies who have just been to my last Smokey Eye Workshop Tutorial. Www.alikmua.co.uk

Enjoy learning with like minded people in a fun,relaxed atmosphere in The Embankment Hotels Private room. Makeup,Hygiene,Tools,Refreshment,Pen and Paper are provided for you to take notes Just bring yourself! Contact Ali K Mua on FB for details/book or info@alikmua.co.uk

Testimonial.

Excellent workshop! Well presented by Alison! Would love it if it had been a longer session! Looking forward to future workshops!

Thankyou, 

Kelly

Shiny Silver Shoes..

I have a thing for silver just now and love my bargain buy at @officeshoe £20s wey hey!! What shoes are you wearing today? Go on take a pic....

Topshop Crochet Jacket....

Here I'm sporting my cosy Crochet Jacket in Grey bought recently from Topshop.I just love it. It's certainly been much needed in recent weeks as I took a trip to Scotland last week and it was a tad chilly for August even up in bonny Scotland. I have noticed that we are getting cooler nights here too. So Topshops Crochet Jacket has been worn a lot recently. It will be a staple in my wardrobe this Autumn so £55s we'll spent...

#topshop

LIPSTICK QUEENS New SILVER SCREEN Lipsticks.....

Lipstick Queen have launched there new lipstick range Silver Screen Lipstick in seven deliciously high pigmented shades.

What they say,
Wet look colour rich and ultra Moisturising lipsticks. Feel like silk on the lips yet pack a full pigment punch. Sumptuous mouth watering texture is achieved with a high percentage of a ground breaking active ingredient,antioxidant vitamin e and a. Silver Screens formulation ensures lips stay soft and hydrated all day long with nourishing apricot kernel oil. These dramatic and head turning shades deliver high impact and long lasting glamour to you and your lips in just one swipe.

Key Features,
 Deliciously glamorous and super comfortable wet look texture. Intense pigments,rich long wearing comfort. Pomegranate extracts keeps lips glossy,soft and hydrated. Naturally scented with highest quality peppermint oil.

I tried Silver Screen lipstick in shade Made It. A deep dark wine shade. They are spot on when they say that these lipsticks are highly pigmented and long lasting. Long lasting without compromising the condition of your pout, as longer lasting formulas tend to leave your lips feeling dry and dehydrated. They aren't matte like There big sister Velvet Rope range. Which I just adore. Silver Screen gave me a soft sheen look not the wet look as they describe, which I was delighted with. My lips felt comfortable,hydrated and the formula is long lasting. I also love the soft light peppermint scent you recieve on application. I applied Lipstick Queens lip pencil in Wine (which matches perfectly) to ensure no bleeding as Made it is a darker shade. Adorable vintage Art Deco style magnetic metal case. If you want a touch of luxury in a lipstick then I would recommend as Silver Screen lives up to its name.

Lipstick Queen Silver Screen lipsticks are available at Space NK stores and online £35.00

   

Nude Lips for Autumn/Winter

A Nude lip is showing to be a favourable colour choice trending on the Autumn/Winter catwalk for many designers this coming season. So today I have chosen to wear my nude lip using Kevin Aucoins Medium Lip Liner with Kevin Aucoins Nude Lipstick in Thelmadora.

Vintage style Shoot....

What a fun time I had a few weeks ago when I was asked to do a vintage styling Photoshoots for a collaboration of a few businesses going into a local newspaper. To my surprise Kendall owner of LadyKs boutique that sells 40s and 50s style clothing and caters for Burlesque and Tea Girls Apparell  approached me to do makeup for a before and after look not only for the business owners but if I would like to take part too!! Wow I'm used to being behind the camera but not infront! Well I agreed and with no regret. I had such fun wearing a 40s style dress from Lady Ks and my hair styled in a Victory Roll by Sarah Webb of Sarah's Doo Wop Do's who is a fab expert at vintage hair styling.

Here are some pics taken by iPhones and photographer Martin Quince.

I'm the one in the blue dress and classic Victory Roll hair up!

What Lipstick Are You Wearing?

Thought I needed a change from the variations of Pink Lipsticks I've been wearing for the past few weeks. What lip colour are you wearing today? I'm wearing Macs Morange....

RENs New Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial With Water Activated Vitamin C

I recieved RENs new 1 Min Flash Rinse last week which was a lovely treat. Always great to get some gratis to try out new products. I was looking forward to trying out this product as being a busy mum of three boys the 1 minute facial lured me in immediately and couldn't wait to try it.

What it says,  A transforming treatment that instantly revitalizes and visibly rejuvenated the skin.
                       Formulated with the potent water-activated vitamin c it will neutralize urban grey in a flash leaving skin looking firm,toned and smooth, while reducing the signs of  fatigue, photo-aging and skin imperfections. Skin instantly glows with renewed health and radiance.

How to apply,  Use every 3 days. Apply over face and neck massaging with circular movements.
                         Dampen finger tips with water and massage again to activate the vitamin c. Leave for a minute. Rinse thoroughly.


I have used  1 min flash rinse twice (one week)  I applied about a ten pence piece worth on my skin massaged and left for one minute. Product has a lovely light orange smell. It's gentle as my skin seems to like it. Skin appears slightly brighter and smoother. Which does minimize the appearance of open pores and fine lines. As for  photo-aging ( dark spots)  and skin imperfections that would be something that you would have to see after continuous use of the product.

What I would say is this product would be great for a quick skin pick me up when your getting ready for a night out or going away. Also for brides that have left it too late to start a new skin regime prior to getting married. To use the night before. Overall it's a good product that is quick and easy to use. Good for all year round particularly in the winter months when the lack of sunlight can make our skin appear quite dull.


RENs Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial  is £32 for 75ml

Silky Soft Sun Kissed Skin....

Prepping skin before we go away to our hols is so important to keep our skin in tip top condition and to achieve a lovely long lasting healthy tan without shedding it like a reptile! We look forward to our summer hols for months organising our summer wardrobe based on what will look best showing off our newly tanned skin yet if we're honest we some how over look or at best spend too little time on preparing our skin for the stress we put our skin through to achieve that golden glow.

I recommend to start with exfoliating all over a least a good two to three weeks prior to hols. I find twice a week is enough for me. I'm using Sai-Sei mineral loofah body polish soap to gently buff away at my skin. Contains minerals and moisturising glycerine with a piece of natural Loofah sponge. 

In the summer months I prefer using an oil to hydrate my body, it's light weight and the skin absorbs it quicker than a body moisturiser leaving your skin satiny soft. Nuxe multi purpose dry oil is my favourite. I adore the scent which for me capsolates  the smell of summer! You can use it on your face,body and hair as it's a light dry oil made up of six precious plant oils and vitamin e. Also without preservatives too.

Now onto our pins that are hidden for a good part of the year then suddenly they are on full view for everyone to see. 'This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle' is perfect for our legs. Whilst looking after skins imperfections such as scars and discolourations with vitamin c and e to help skin tone it also contains Arnica to help with bruising. It transforms skin with an instant sun kissed glow that you can wash off too. As it's a serum it absorbs the skin super quick. Smells delicious.

Last but not least our feet! Starting by getting them prepped and ready for full on exposure.To make exfoliating my tootsies that bit easier I love to soak them in Margeret Dabbs foot soak first. Then once they are free of all that old hard skin I then treat them to Margaret Dabbs intensive hydrating foot lotion. Has a lovely lemony fresh scent. They use emu oil and lots of fantastic ingredients to treat our tootsies to the best. 

All products are available at www.spacenk.co.uk online and instore.

Asian Wedding Photo Shoot

    

                                                                                     

                                                       

Had a very busy productive day working with a collaboration of talented individuals at the Park Inn Radisson Hotel in Bedford the other week. An event that was headed and organised by the wonderfully motivated Zulika from Golden Poppy Events who is also behind the launch of Bedfords very first Asian Wedding Show being held at the recently refurbished Park Inn Hotel Bedford on 31st August 2014. Looking forward to this amazing Wedding Event that will be show casing many fantastic suppliers....

Some behind the scene pics of the photoshoot.

National Lipstick Day!

Hello Lipstick Lovers....

It's apparently National Lipstick Day! I'm wearing mine it's Hourglass Fever a bright hot pink. What lipstick are you wearing?

Prom Time!

I did a Prom Make over on this lovely young lady the other day. She loved her makeover. One happy young customer! Her next stop was the hairdressers then into her gorg ball gown that i got to see before I left. Hope to get a pic soon of the final look! If your looking to get your makeup done for an upcoming prom please contact Ali on 07718387552. Next Thurs I have a booking for another prom makeover so can squeeze one more booking in....

Here's a pic of prom girl getting ready for her prom event. Hope she had a fab night!

Makeup brands I used were, Mac,Nars,Laura Mercier and By Terry.

Space NK Online Sale Launch Starts Wednesday 25th June...

It's Sale Time at Space NK starts Wed 25th June!!

Oh dont you just love a good sale! I got a sneaky peak today at some of the goodies that Space NK have got instore for us in there Super Duper Sale,and as I am a fully fledged beauty obsessed makeup obsessed addict I am a tad excited! Space NK is a genuine' here you go 50% off sale'. What I've picked up so far is there beautiful Beautania body and candle range with some of there products more than 50% off. I've bagged there Candles normally £35 for a 190 gram now an amazing £8.50! Now I am also a self confessed Candle lover too. These candles are great, they are slow burners and don't loose there scent. What a bargain. With a few scents to choose from too.
Laura Mercier Chubby Lipsticks are 50% off  now £8.00 available in three shades.
There are so many gorgeous products to treat yourself with that I could go on forever. So I suggest if you want to be first in the queue then get online super quick....

Have a few pics of whats on offer below. Beautania, Laura Mercier, Shu Uemura, Kevin Aucoin 

Happy Shopping Folks! X

Glamour Mag Offer....

Quick! Grab the July issue of Glamour magazine as there giving away a full size Eyeco Skinny Liquid Eyeliner worth £12 for the cost of the mag at £2s!!

Weddings...

Looking forward to doing makeup for two lovely brides tomorrow! If you are looking for a professional mobile makeup artist that uses amazing products such as Laura Mercier, Nars,Mac,Kevyn Aucoin to create a fresh flawless look that lasts all day then call Ali for details on 07718387552